Kia ora {#party.FirstName}, |
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Welcome to the April edition of The Link! 🎉 In this month’s issue, you’ll meet the new ARG members and our new Upper South Island Regional Manager. We’re also sharing the first 2026 Apprentice Training Workshop dates, celebrating our Outward Bound scholarship winners, and our PGD re-licensing Prezzy Card recipients! |
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MEET THE NEW APPRENTICE REFERENCE GROUP |
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Great news! Six new apprentice members have been confirmed for the 2026 ARG (Apprentice Representative Group). |
They are Ollie Shivnan, Nathan Giddens, Niko Sarch, Jaimee Cartwright, Jack Borham, and Trent Toomey. Congrats, all! The group will hold two online and two in-person meetings over the course of a year, supported kindly by the PGDB, who will contribute to the groups' travel and accommodation costs. ARG’s goal remains the same: making sure the apprentice voice is heard where change is needed. Look out for the profiles of the new members in future editions of NZ Plumber magazine. |
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OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS |
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Masterlink apprentices from two host businesses have been awarded a fully-funded place on the Outward Bound Building Leaders Course in June.
Our congratulations to the following apprentices for winning the 2026 Masterlink Outward Bound Scholarships:
All credit to their host businesses for recognising the value in releasing their apprentices for this 16-day programme in the Marlborough Sounds. |
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NEW: 2026 APPRENTICE TRAINING WORKSHOP DATES |
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Be in touch with your Masterlink Regional Manager if you’re keen to attend one of our upcoming Apprentice Training Workshops for some hands-on help with your studies. |
PLANNED DATES Hamilton Tuesday 12 May Tauranga Tuesday 19 May Wellington Wednesday 27 May Auckland Monday 1 June Queenstown Tuesday 21 July Dunedin Friday 24 July Christchurch Friday 31 July Spaces are limited, so get in quick! |
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PGD LICENCE RENEWAL: OUR PREZZY CARD WINNERS 🎉 |
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We ran a Prezzy Card prize draw for apprentices renewing their PGD trainee licences by April 1. Congrats to the following apprentices (left) on renewing their PGD licence on time — you've each won a $50 Prezzy Card! |
WINNERS
Rory Read, Queenstown Cameron Jesse White, Hamilton Harold Arbuckle, Blenheim Jack Smith, Auckland Niko Sarich, Wellington |
A genuine thanks to everyone who nudged their apprentice, chased their supervisor, and just got it done. It's a big job across the Masterlink network each year and we couldn't do it without you 💛
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👋 INTRODUCING OUR NEW REGIONAL MANAGER |
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We’re excited to welcome Emma Dunkley to the team as Regional Manager for the Upper South Island, based at our Masterlink office in Christchurch. Emma Dunkley joined Masterlink in March, coming to us from her previous Field Officer role at MATES in Construction. “I can’t wait to see my apprentices working along their journey, culminating in a graduation!” she says. |
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Emma was drawn to her new role by the desire to help our industry’s future generation navigate the murky waters of starting out and ensure they feel supported. Originally from Auckland, Emma now calls Canterbury home. She loves the easily accessible outdoorsy lifestyle and goes hiking and fishing in her spare time. Her most impressive hike to date? That would be the Everest Base Camp! |
Contact Emma
Phone 021 433 615
Email emma.dunkley@masterlink.co.nz |
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ARE YOU THE 2026 YOUNG PLUMBER OF THE YEAR? |
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Step up and stand out!
Entries are open now for Plumbing World’s 2026 Young Plumber of the Year competition. Masterlink and Master Plumbers are proud to be Gold Sponsors of this annual event, which showcases and rewards the best and brightest in our industry, with tons of prizes up for grabs! This year, for the first time, there’s also a new Apprentice Category, sponsored by Nexa. |
| ENTER TODAY! |
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SEE YOU IN KIRIKIRIROA HAMILTON THIS JUNE! |
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It’s shaping up to be an amazing 2026 NZ Plumbing Conference in Kirikiriroa Hamilton from 24-26 June, with a great line-up of speakers, discussion panels, activities and social events. Keep your eye out for the full programme, coming soon to the conference website. To view the programme, register for conference and book your accommodation, click below. |
| GET YOUR TICKETS |
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Tuesday 28 April is World Day for Safety and Health at Work. A great time to remind our apprentices to keep logging any workplace ‘near misses’ or incidents on your BWARE app. This helps us identify causes, spot regular patterns, and makes sure action is taken before minor issues lead to major injuries. |
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SAFELY DOES IT: ❄️ WINTER WELLNESS |
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With the seasons on the turn, now is a good time to prepare for the chillier months ahead!
On the road:
Make sure your vehicle is fit for cold or icy weather by checking tyre tread, battery, antifreeze and emergency kit are good to go—and always remember to drive to the conditions. |
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Look after yourself too:
Keep a change of dry clothes on hand for when you're working out in the wet and cold. Nothing beats changing into dry, warm socks! Know the signs of SAD — Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression triggered by the shorter, darker winter days, disrupting your body clock and mood-regulating brain chemicals. Reach out to our Wellbeing Helpline if you’re looking for some support. Consider getting the flu jab — It costs $25 to $45, and is free for some people.
Book online at a pharmacy near you. Stay home if you're feeling sick — You'll recover faster and will minimise the spread amongst your workmates and customers. |
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DRUGS & TRADES SURVEY - YOUR HELP APPRECIATED |
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Massey University psychology student Shania Smith is conducting her postgraduate research report into substance use prevalence and mental health experiences in New Zealand’s trade industry. The aim of the research is to strengthen the mental health of Aotearoa New Zealand's tradies, as substance use can be correlated with poorer mental health experiences for some. |
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Overseas research in Australia and Canada suggests a higher prevalence of substance use amongst tradespeople, for which interventions and support have been put in place for tradies wishing to seek help. To help with her research, Shania has developed a survey and would be very grateful for feedback. Participation is entirely optional and anonymous, and the survey takes around 10-12 minutes to complete. |
| Take the Survey |
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A special mention to those who have recently qualified in the following:
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WELCOME |
Nau mai, haere mai to our newest Masterlink apprentices:
Hayden Vanderharst - Heron Plumbing, Auckland Nathan Bradley - Tranquillity Plumbing & Gas, Motueka Antony Posa - Aquaheat Facility Services, Hamilton William Ormsby Northcott - EG Glennies, Wellington |
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